Multi-function diversified photo frame formed by way of simple vacuum molding

ABSTRACT

A multi-function diversified photo frame formed by way of simple vacuum molding includes a front part and a rear part, which are integrally connected to each other or are not connected to each other. The photo frame is one-piece molded and made of an environment protective and single plastic material, such as PET, by way of heating vacuuming and extruding, so that the photo frame can be easily manufactured, the single material can be easily recycled, and the economic effectiveness of reducing the cost can be obtained. Thus, a photo, a picture, a commendation, a certificate or a voucher may be interposed between the front and rear parts and may be represented.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an improved structure of a photo frame, and more particularly to a multi-function diversified photo frame, which is integrally formed by way of simple vacuum molding, has the low cost, and satisfies the environment protective purpose and multi-purpose requirements of the users.

(2) Description of the Prior Art

A conventional photo frame mainly has an outer frame made of a plastic, acrylic, metallic or woody material so that the photo may be placed therein. Then, a baseplate is provided to cover the outer frame, and many ambient positioning locks are distributed to fix the outer frame to the baseplate. Thus, the photo can be represented and the fancy feeling can be obtained.

However, the combination of various materials is usually used in exterior designs and shapes of this kind of photo frames in order to satisfy the preference of most users. Thus, the production is complicated and only the single function is obtained. After a period of time, the photo frame may be superannuated and thrown away by the user, and the user may again purchase a new one. Thus, more waste materials are formed. Because the prices of some materials are very high, a lot of money is wasted if the photo frame is arbitrarily thrown away. Alternatively, the photo frame being thrown away cannot be easily recycled so that the second environment protective problem is caused.

In addition, the significant problem of the photo frame in use is that the photo only can be put into the photo frame in a complicated and inconvenient manner. Because the baseplate is combined with the outer frame through several ambient positioning locks, the user may feel too complicated when he or she changes the photo frequently, and the utility thereof is thus deteriorated.

Consequently, the structure of the conventional photo frame still has to be improved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a multi-function diversified photo frame formed by way of simple vacuum molding so as to hoard or hang print/graphic documents including photos, commendations, certificates and vouchers and to achieve the more flexible, simpler and multi-purpose diversified hoarding and representing effects.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multi-function diversified photo frame formed by way of simple vacuum molding and one-piece molding using an environment protective plastic material as a base material. Thus, the manufacturing processes are simple, the cost is low, the resource can be recycled and the product competition ability can be enhanced.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a multi-function diversified photo frame formed by way of simple vacuum molding, wherein the overall special outer shape of the photo frame can obtain the lifelike interest and glorify the photo frame.

Yet still another object of the invention is to provide a multi-function diversified photo frame formed by way of simple vacuum molding, wherein a small-sized article (souvenir) associated with the situation of the photo can be placed therein so that the deep memory can be obtained.

Yet still another object of the invention is to provide a multi-function diversified photo frame formed by way of simple vacuum molding, wherein the vacuum molded photo frame with printed patterns is directly combined with an outer frame, which is printed with colors or patters so that the more flexible applications can be obtained.

To achieve the above-identified objects, the invention provides a multi-function diversified photo frame formed by way of simple vacuum molding. The photo frame includes a front part and a rear part, which are integrally connected to each other or are not connected to each other. A photo, a picture, a commendation, a certificate or a voucher may be interposed between the front and rear parts so that it can be represented. Also, through holes may be formed on tops of the front and rear parts or backsides of the front and rear parts close to edges so that the photo frame may be hung.

In the photo frame, overall edge shapes, such as various geometric images, cartoon images, conventional wood frames, artistic shapes, imitation metal shapes and special thematic shapes, are pre-configured. Colors or patterns corresponding to the shapes are printed. A three-dimensional embossed shape is extruded using corresponding molds by way of vacuuming so that a photo may be interposed between the front and rear parts and the pretty photo frame that can be easily placed can be formed.

The photo frame is one-piece molded and made of an environment protective and single plastic material, such as PET, by way of heating vacuuming and extruding, so that the photo frame can be easily manufactured, the single material can be easily recycled, and the economic effectiveness of reducing the cost can be obtained.

In the photo frame, a protruding accommodating portion may be formed on the rear part or the front part so that the small-sized article can be placed therein, and the enshrined value and deep memory can be obtained.

When the photo frame is not printed with patterns, it can be directly combined with an outer frame, which is pre-formed, has specific patterns and shapes and has a photo representing room, so that the application becomes more flexible and diversified, and the combination may be made more easily.

Further aspects, objects, and desirable features of the invention will be better understood from the detailed description and drawings that follow in which various embodiments of the disclosed invention are illustrated by way of examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a developed view showing a photo frame according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is another developed view showing the photo frame according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an assembled view showing the photo frame according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the photo frame according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a developed view showing a photo frame according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an assembled view showing the photo frame according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration showing the photo frame being used according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing the operation of the photo frame according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows different patterns of accommodating portions of the photo frame according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is an assembled view showing a photo frame according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows different patterns of accommodating portions of the photo frame according to the third preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration showing the photo frame being used according to the third preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration showing actually implemented aspects of FIGS. 2 and 9 according to the invention.

FIG. 13 is a developed view showing a structure of a photo frame according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration showing an actually used state according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view showing an implemented outer frame of the photo frame according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is an assembled view showing an implemented aspect according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an implemented aspect according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration showing the photo frame combined with the outer frame according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration showing the photo frame combined with the outer frame according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A to 3 are developed views, an assembled view and a cross-sectional view showing a photo frame 1 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIGS. 1A to 3, the structure of the photo frame 1 includes a front part 10 and a rear part 20, which are one-piece molded and are connected together, or are not connected to each other.

Each of the front part 10 and the rear part 20 is made of an environment protective and single plastic material, such as PET. Each of the overall edge shapes of the front and rear parts is pre-configured and may be an geometric image, a cartoon image, a wood frame, an artistic shape, an imitation metal shape and a special thematic shape. An inner surface of a side frame is printed with colors or patterns having corresponding shapes by way of color printing. A three-dimensional embossed shape matching with the color patterns is extruded using corresponding molds by way of heating vacuuming so that the pretty photo frame 1 with the visual effects is formed. In use, a photo, a picture, a commendation, a certificate or a voucher may be interposed between the front part 10 and the rear part 20. In addition, through holes 11 and 21 may be formed on tops of the front and rear parts or backsides of the front and rear parts close to edges so that the photo frame 1 may be hung.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are developed and assembled view showing a photo frame according to a second embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a protruding accommodating portion 22 is formed on the rear part 20 of the photo frame 1 near a lower side frame so that a small-sized article 30 can be placed therein, and the protruding accommodating portion 22 can function to support the photo frame 1. As shown in FIG. 6, a photo photographed in a certain trip is placed in the photo frame 1, and a souvenir associated with the situation of the photo may be placed in the accommodating portion 22 so that the enshrining effect may be achieved. Consequently, the good and deep memory can be kept. As shown in FIG. 7, the accommodating portion 22 can support the photo frame 1, which stands up. However, in order to prevent the photo frame 1 from tilting down due to the unstable center of gravity, a metal block 23 is disposed in the accommodating portion 22 to stabilize the center of gravity. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the exterior shape of the accommodating portion 22 is not particularly restricted. The accommodating portion 22 may have a circular-arc-shaped surface so that the accommodating portion 22 may swing in a tumbler-like manner, or the accommodating portion 22 may have a polygonal surface so that the accommodating portion 22 can stand up stably.

FIG. 9 is an assembled view showing a photo frame according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10 shows different patterns of accommodating portions of the photo frame according to the third preferred embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a protruding accommodating portion 12 is formed on the front part 10 of the photo frame 1 near a lower side frame so that the souvenir or the small-sized article 30 associated with the situation of the photo can be placed therein to achieve the enshrining effect and it is possible to prevent the hung photo frame 1 from influencing the condition of lying on the wall surface to cause the unstable condition. As shown in FIG. 11, the photo, picture, commendation, certificate, voucher or the like may be interposed between the front part 10 and the rear part 20, and the prize associated with the photo and the commendation may be placed in the accommodating portion 12 to significantly represent its special property so that the encouragement and glorification effects can be achieved.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, because the photo frame 1 may be placed and may also be hung, its exterior can be glorified to represent the interest and special value to achieve the utility, glorification and visual effects according to the pre-designed edge shape, such as the puzzle shaped geometric image or cartoon image, or even the conventional wood frame, artistic shape, imitation metal shape or special thematic shape.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, a hollow portion 13 may be further formed at a middle of the front part 10 of the photo frame 1 so that the photo, picture, commendation, certificate or voucher may be interposed between the edge portion of the hollow portion 13 and the rear part 20 in order to decrease the material and the cost. Also, as shown in FIG. 14, the photo frames 1 may be developed and respectively stacked in order to effectively reduce its stacked size and to achieve the economic effectiveness so that many photo frames 1 can be transported, carried or hoarded.

Furthermore, the photo frame 1 of the invention may further be formed of the colorless (transparent) material or the material with the primary color (self-color) by way of heating vacuuming. Then, diversified combination patterns of a colored and patterned outer frame 40 can be combined with the photo frame 1. As shown in FIG. 15, the shape design of the exterior texture pattern becomes more flexible and diversified, and the combination also becomes relatively simple. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the characteristic lies in that the outer frame 40 is made of a flat substrate formed of a plastic material, a sheet material or a woody material, and is pre-printed with patterns or pre-drawn with colored patterns and then press-cut, and a window 41 for representing the photo is left at the middle in advance. In practice, the user may further change the exterior texture pattern and the exterior shape according to the requirements so that the flexibility of application can be achieved and the rapid, fresh and interest feelings can be obtained.

Also, as shown in FIG. 18, the outer frame 40 having the same edges as those of the photo frame 1 is combined with the photo frame 1 by way of engagement. The photo frame 1 may be formed of a plastic material by way of heating vacuuming so that it has no color, no texture and no pattern. When the front part 10 and the rear part 20 are being formed, combining portions 14 and 24 corresponding to depressions are formed near the upper and lower edges. The outer frame 40 is made of the single plastic material the same as that of the photo frame 1, and has a hollow window 41. In addition, the outer frame 40 is pre-printed with the colors, textures or patterns, and a protruding embedding portion 42 is also formed near the upper and lower edges. Consequently, the outer frame 40 can be combined with the photo frame 1 when the outer frame 40 presses against the photo frame 1 so that the embedding portion 42 is inserted into and engaged with the combining portions 14 and 24 to form the combined aspect in a very simple and rapid manner. In addition, the outer frame 40 may be replaced with other outer frames 40 having different colors, textures or patterns so that the combination becomes flexible.

Also, as shown in FIG. 19, the outer frame 40 having the same edges as those of the photo frame 1 is combined with the photo frame 1. The self-colored photo frame 1 having no color, no texture and no pattern may further be partially applied with an adhesive at the contact portion between the outer frame 40 and the photo frame 1, such as the periphery plane of the combining portion 14 of the front part 10. Thus, the outer frame 40, which is pre-printed with colors, textures or patterns, may be quickly adhered to the photo frame 1.

New characteristics and advantages of the invention covered by this document have been set forth in the foregoing description. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Changes in methods, shapes, structures or devices may be made in details without exceeding the scope of the invention by those who are skilled in the art. The scope of the invention is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed. 

1. A multi-function diversified photo frame formed by way of simple vacuum molding, the photo frame comprising a front part and a rear part, winch are integrally connected to each other or are not connected to each other, the photo frame being characterized in that: overall edge shapes of the front and rear parts are pre-configured, an inner surface of a side frame is printed with colors or patterns having corresponding shapes by way of color printing, and a three-dimensional embossed shape is extruded using corresponding molds by way of heating vacuuming so that a photo may be interposed between the front and rear parts; a protruding accommodating portion is protruded from a lower bottom of the rear part and the accommodating portion (22) has polygonal shape with four straight sides so that the accommodating portion can stand stably; and a further cambered protruding accommodating portion is formed on the front part near a lower side frame.
 2. The photo frame according to claim 1, wherein a hollow portion is formed at a middle of the front part.
 3. The photo frame according to claim 1, wherein each of the front and rear parts is made of an environment protective and single plastic material.
 4. The photo frame according to claim 1, wherein a shape of the side frame of each of the front and rear parts is a geometric image, a cartoon image, a wood frame, an artistic shape, an imitation metal shape and a special thematic shape.
 5. The photo frame according to claim 1, wherein the photo interposed between the front and rear parts is replaced with a picture, a commendation, a certificate or a voucher.
 6. The photo frame according to claim 1, wherein through holes are formed on tops of the front and rear parts or backsides of the front and rear parts close to edges so that the photo frame is hung.
 7. (canceled)
 8. The photo frame according to claim 1, wherein a metal block is disposed in the accommodating portion to stabilize a center of gravity of the photo frame.
 9. The photo frame according to claim 1, wherein the accommodating portion has a circular-arc-shaped surface so that the accommodating portion may swing in a tumbler-like manner. 10-11. (canceled)
 12. The photo frame according to claim 1, wherein an outer frame is combined with the photo frame, the outer frame is printed with or color-drawn with patterns and is press-cut, and the outer frame has a window for photo showing at a middle range.
 13. The photo frame according to claim 12, wherein the outer frame is combined with the photo frame by way of engaging or adhering. 